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Page 266
him purse his lips into a whistle again, but the sound never came, because at that moment Alinor swept into the room.
"Two halves make one whole," Ian said appreciatively, staring at her.
Alinor smiled at his quick comprehension. It had certainly been her intention to give the impression that they were mirror images of each other. Alinor's gown matched Ian's tunic and chausses; her tunic matched his gown. The embrodiery on both sets of garments was the same pattern, and the row upon row of pearls that had been Ian's bride gift were bold sisters to those that glowed in the neckband and borders of Ian's garments.
"Quick," she said as she opened a chest, "take that gold chain set with topaz and put it on. It will finish you nicely. Wait. See also if you can find some rings in there that will go on your hands."
"Whose are these?" Ian asked.
What little he had left in the way of gems and gold were in his northern stronghold. All the remainder had been sacrificed to pay for Alinor's pearls.
"Who knows," Alinor replied. "Mine, I suppose, if you mean who owns them. I guess they were my father's. My grandfather never wore such things at all, and Simon either. He was quite right of course; they would have befitted him like a silk panache befits an ass. I always thought it a great waste, though, that they should lie unused. It is a pleasure to see them on you, Ian. You do them honor."
"But Alinor," Ian protested, "to dress me in borrowed plumes"
"Borrowed from whom? As long as you and I live, they are yours. When we die, they will be divided among our children."
Ian opened his mouth to protest further, but was interrupted by Joanna's voice craving admittance from the outer chamber. "Yes, come," he said, and then, "Holy Mary, Joanna, how beautiful you are!"

 
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